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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Marino BLASTS Controversial Pay Raise For Macomb County Elected Officials

Macomb County Commissioner Steve Marino

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)

Macomb County Commissioner Steve Marino blasted a costly and controversial pay raise for Macomb County elected officials in a recent interview with WMP.Marino, a State House candidate known for working hard and great constituent relations, was one of only 4 Commissioners to vote "no." He was the only Republican member to vote against it."I have always maintained I would never support any pay increases for elected officials," Marino tells WMP. "I kept my word. As a public servant, I know who I work for and voted against the increases accordingly," Marino said.So what's going on?According to Macomb Daily:"In a move some predict may stir up voter resentment this election year, Macomb County’s county-wide elected officials are in line for a pay raise -- their first adjustment in more than a decade.

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved the raises -- ranging from 2 to 35 percent -- to bring the officials up to surrounding communities. The raises include the county executive, commissioners, and sheriff, prosecutor, clerk, treasurer and public works commissioner.

“The big picture is these people haven’t received a raise in 10-12 years,” said Commissioner Andrey Duzyj on Warren. “When times were tough, commissioners in Macomb took two 5-percent pay cuts. Everyone took a cut. Now it’s time to step up to the plate and do something positive.”

The salary adjustments, which take effect in 2017 with periodic raises to 2020, include:
• Commissioners will receive $35,000 compared to the current $30,800

• Board chairman will earn $90,000, up from the existing $66,600

• Clerk’s pay goes from $106,800 to $108,900 ($115,500 in 2020)

• Prosecutor from $115,500 to $148,600 ($157,700 in 2020)"

_____________________________________________________________________Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.>>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com